Kennedy Masona

Mirror Reporter

Moto Republik, with support from UNESCO held a transformative cultural, arts and craft entrepreneur workshop at Charles Austin Theatre, Masvingo on Thursday last week.

Moto Republik is spearheading the rehabilitation and development of the Great Zimbabwe World Heritage site project. This initiative is designed to enhance the site’s cultural significance while fostering sustainable tourism and economic growth for local communities.

Marcus Gora was the facilitator of the workshop which was attended by Great Zimbabwe traditional dancers, Cultural Creatives and local entrepreneurs. The aim is to improve the business aspect of the artistry industry while preserving culture.

Gora said that the workshop was focusing on the challenges facing Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site, particularly the low volume of tourism and the limited economic benefits reaching nearby communities.

Moto Republik with the support from UNESCO will fund several artists at the end of the program in October. Gora emphasized that artists should be self sufficient from their crafts and this can be achieved through the construction of more  Craft Centers and Cultural Museums where they can exhibit and sell their wares to locals and tourists.

“More Craft Centres and Cultural Museums with our traditional products should be constructed across the country to conserve our culture so that it won’t be erased by technology,” he said.

Gora also said  that traditional dance can be used to attract tourists, educate and inform them about the Zimbabwean culture.

One of the traditional custodians of the site, Chief Charumbira, Chief Mugabe and Chief Nemamwa have welcomed the project and expressed their commitment to enhancing the tourist experience